Is your pet truly safe from the hidden dangers lurking in their health? Ignoring these critical screenings could spell disaster. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
1. Heartworm Testing
Heartworm is a deadly parasite transmitted by mosquitoes. Symptoms include coughing, fatigue, and weight loss. With warmer climates and the influx of pets from Spain and other European countries, it’s crucial to test and prevent this disease.
2. Tick-borne Diseases
Ticks can carry Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis, all of which are becoming more common in the UK. Look for symptoms like fever, lethargy, and joint pain. Early screening is essential to prevent severe health issues.
3. Rabies Vaccination
Rabies is fatal and can be transmitted to humans. Symptoms in pets include excessive drooling, aggression, and paralysis. Ensure your pet is vaccinated, especially with the rise of animals adopted from countries where rabies is more prevalent.
4. Leishmaniasis Screening
Leishmaniasis, common in Mediterranean regions, can cause severe health problems in dogs. Symptoms include skin lesions, weight loss, and kidney failure. If you have a mainland European rescue dog, get them screened immediately.
5. Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) Testing
FeLV is a leading cause of death in cats. Symptoms include anaemia, weight loss, and infections. Early detection through screening can help manage and prolong your cat’s life.
6. FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) Testing
FIV weakens a cat’s immune system, making them vulnerable to infections. Symptoms include chronic infections, weight loss, and fever. Regular testing is critical for cats, especially if they have a history of fighting or come from a rescue.
7. Parvovirus Screening
Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus in dogs that can be fatal. Symptoms include severe vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. Early vaccination and screening can save your dog’s life.
8. Kennel Cough Screening
Kennel cough spreads quickly in boarding facilities and dog parks. Symptoms include a persistent cough, runny nose, and lethargy. Regular screening and vaccination can prevent outbreaks and keep your dog healthy.
9. Gastrointestinal Parasite Screening
Parasites like roundworms and hookworms are common in pets and can cause severe health issues. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, and weight loss. Regular faecal tests are crucial to detect and treat these parasites.
10. Babesiosis Screening
Babesiosis, transmitted by ticks, can cause severe anaemia in dogs. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, and dark urine. Screening is especially important for pets that travel or come from areas with a high tick population.
11. Lungworm Screening
Lungworm is a dangerous parasite that affects dogs and can be fatal. Symptoms include coughing, breathing difficulties, and weight loss. Regular screening and preventive treatments are vital, especially in high-risk areas.
12. Distemper Screening
Distemper is a serious viral disease in dogs with a high mortality rate. Symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, and seizures. Vaccination and regular screenings are essential for early detection and prevention.
13. Panleukopenia Screening
Also known as feline distemper, panleukopenia is a deadly disease in cats. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. Early vaccination and screening can prevent outbreaks and save lives.
14. Canine Parainfluenza Screening
Canine parainfluenza is a contagious respiratory virus. Symptoms include coughing, fever, and nasal discharge. Regular screenings and vaccinations are crucial to protect your dog, especially if they are often around other dogs.
15. Hepatitis Screening
Canine hepatitis can cause liver damage and death. Symptoms include jaundice, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Regular vaccination and screening are necessary to prevent this disease.
16. Brucellosis Screening
Brucellosis can affect both dogs and humans, causing severe health issues. Symptoms in dogs include infertility, lameness, and swollen lymph nodes. Early detection through screening is vital, especially for breeding dogs.
17. Ehrlichiosis Screening
Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease that can cause severe illness in dogs. Symptoms include fever, weight loss, and abnormal bleeding. Regular screenings are crucial for pets in tick-infested areas or those that travel.
18. Giardiasis Screening
Giardia is a parasite that causes gastrointestinal issues in pets. Symptoms include diarrhoea, weight loss, and dehydration. Regular faecal screenings are essential to detect and treat this common parasite.
19. Toxoplasmosis Screening
Toxoplasmosis can cause serious health issues in cats and humans. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, and respiratory problems. Regular screening is particularly important for outdoor cats and those with compromised immune systems.
20. Canine Influenza Screening
Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Symptoms include coughing, fever, and nasal discharge. Regular screenings and vaccinations can help prevent the spread of this virus.
21. Cushing’s Disease Screening
Cushing’s disease can cause serious health problems in dogs, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, and hair loss. Early screening is vital for effective treatment and management.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
These screenings are not optional—they are essential for your pet’s health and well-being. Don’t gamble with their lives. Schedule these tests now to ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy. Your pet’s future depends on it.
The post 21 Critical Disease Screenings Every Pet Needs – Before It’s Too Late first appeared on PawShore.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Roman Zaiets.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
